4Racing has announced a change to the Racing Operators’ Conditions for Work Rider races conducted in Gauteng.
After a decision to trial Work Riders races on a ‘hands and heels’ only basis from January 2022, 4Racing has decided to re-introduce the use of the crop in Work Rider Races effective 1 July 2023.
Gabriel Soma, 4Racing’s Head of Racing Operations, said the decision was motivated by a lack of turnover and betting on these races, as well as a lack of support and drastic drop in field sizes in Work Rider races, all of which could potentially put the future of the entire programme at risk.
Work riders in Gauteng have more race riding opportunities than any other jurisdiction, with nearly 4 races per month as well as three full meetings through the year.
This qualifies them to ride at all local racecourses over all distances and gives us full confidence in their ability to use crops responsibly and within the accepted norms of racing.
Additionally, all horses participating in races held under NHA rules in South Africa are subject to strict regulatory oversight and NHA Guidelines regarding the use of the crop stipulate that it is to be used ‘for encouragement, guidance and correction.’
Only crops approved by the NHA are allowed to be used in races and work riding on South African racing and training tracks.
Furthermore, NHA Rule 58.10.2 sets out firm guidelines for the permitted use of the crop during a race and Guideline M in Appendix E stipulates the total number of times a rider is permitted to use a crop in a race is restricted to 12.
